Story, Wyoming — Planned 7-story tower near NC State could replace ‘naturally

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In the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains, Story has long been the kind of place where a modest income could still secure a slice of Wyoming’s quiet dignity. That reputation is now being tested. A developer’s plan to construct a seven-story tower near the center of town threatens to dismantle what residents quietly rely on: naturally occurring affordable housing—older homes and modest apartment buildings not subsidized, but priced low enough for teachers, retail workers, and young families.

For anyone considering a move to Story, this is more than a zoning dispute. It is a fundamental shift in the town’s character. The proposed tower targets existing, low-rent units for redevelopment, meaning the very stock that makes this community accessible could disappear. While new construction often promises modern amenities, it rarely promises the same monthly cost. Relocation calculators currently show Story’s cost of living hovering slightly above the state average, but with local wages lagging behind. If this project moves forward, that gap widens, and the chance for newcomers to settle without a six-figure income narrows.

The quality of life here—the quiet nights, the easy access to national forest trails—remains intact for now. But affordability is the thread holding that fabric together. If that thread pulls, Story risks becoming a resort town in name, accessible only to those who can afford the view from the seventh floor.

This small community is worth watching because how it handles this tower will define whether Story remains a real home for the working class, or just a postcard.

Source: Currents

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Updated September 01, 2026.